Liphook Infant School

Inspection report for early years provision

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116056 Unique Reference Number 01 February 2008 Inspection date Claudia Padfield Inspector

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Childcare Type of inspection Childminding Type of care

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder registered in 1986. She lives with her husband and her adult children in Slough Berkshire. The house is within walking distance of local facilities including pre-school, primary school, shops and park and is near main road and rail links.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder uses the whole of the ground floor for childminding with rest and toilet facilities within this space. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. She takes children to the local library and park.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder may care for three children under eight years and is currently minding one child.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children benefit from the childminder's hygiene procedures as she acts as a good role model and keeps the house clean and tidy. Children are encouraged to learn about the importance of daily routines such as hand washing when they go to the toilet and before eating. The childminder has systems in place to care for a child if they become ill. The sickness policy is verbally shared with parents to ensure the children's well being.

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Helping children to be healthy

The childminder works in partnership with the parents who provide a range of homemade meals and snacks that the childminder stores correctly and ensures they are heated and served attractively. Children enjoy lots of one to one adult attention and sit together at meal times sharing the events of the morning. The childminder is aware of any dietary requirements and ensures her first aid certificate is up to date, and a suitable kit is accessible if required. This is further supported by the use of National Childminding Association documentation and parental signatures are sought upon their return to ensure all parties are fully informed.

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Helping children to be healthy

Children enjoy daily opportunities to access fresh air. The childminder uses a local park and has a large garden with hard and grass surfaces for children to enjoy what ever the weather. The childminder provides a range of physical challenges inside and out to give the minded children an opportunity to develop their gross motor skills further.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is good. The premises are secure and suitable for minding, children have a designated playroom with a selection of age and stage appropriate toys and equipment. Children are made to feel at home and change into slippers to ensure they do not slip on the wooden floors. Through discussion the childminder highlighted any potential risks to the children and then ensures routines and systems are in place to protect them. The childminder reviews her documentation and works with the local early years adviser to ensure she has the correct level of cover.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

Through role modelling and constant conversation the childminder explains to the children in her care how to stay safe inside and out of the house. The childminder has a good understanding of child protection issues and knows how to proceed if she has concerns about a child in her care. Documentation supports her in this role and promotes children’s wellbeing.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is good. Children are settled and confident in the childminder's company, they have warm relationships with the minder who successfully uses praise to build self esteem. Through one to one attention she is able to meet their needs and wishes following personal routines for rest and play. Children have access to an attractively set out playroom with a wide selection of toys and craft materials. Children enthusiastically draw with the childminder who extends their learning through thoughtful questioning. The children anticipate the flexible routine and the childminder considers their likes and dislikes. Through her knowledge of child development the childminder is able to extend the children's interests and skills. They talk throughout their play, engaging the childminder in their activities.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The childminder treats the children with respect and values them as individuals. She plans activities to suit the individual child's preferences and the ages and stages of development. Children are settled and comfortable within the home. The childminder has a positive understanding of all equal opportunities issues, and helps children develop an awareness of their own and other cultures. Children have access to a range of resources to help them learn about the diverse society in which we live. Children develop a sense of place and learn about where they live through regular outings within the local community. For example walks through the park and into the local village.

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The childminder has high expectations regarding behaviour and children quickly respond to the praise and encouragement offered to complete daily routines. Through good role modelling children automatically say please and thank you, developing a strong sense of self and high levels of self esteem. Through daily verbal updates and a commitment to good communication the children's well being is fostered and supports the child's learning.

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Organisation

The organisation is good. Children receive high levels of care and attention from the childminder, contributing to them feeling very settled and secure. The childminder uses her time well and her flexible approach allows children the opportunity to organise and pursue their own games, as well as participating in activities. She has organised the playroom so toys are easily accessible and children articulate needs and wishes which are quickly acted upon by the childminder. The childminder has low numbers to enable her to provide good individual attention to the children in her care and she does not leave children unsupervised with persons not vetted. This safeguards children and contributes to their enjoyment and ability to take an active part in the setting. The required documentation contributes to children’s health, safety and wellbeing. However the childminder needs to ensure contact details are up to date. The childminder meets the needs of the range

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Improvements since the last inspection

At the last inspection the childminder was required to update her documentation by obtaining various consents for medical treatment and outings this has now been sought and ensures that children are protected by suitable supporting documentation. She was also required to update her first aid and knowledge of child protection. Through support of the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership the childminder has attended training and updated her knowledge and documentation. She now keeps up to date registers showing arrivals and departures of children. The childminder had a recommendation to provide resources which reflect the diversity of the world. Children benefit from being able to access a wide range of resources which fosters their understanding of the wider world and from celebrating festivals. Since the last inspection the childminder has updated the consents she keeps and reviews her documentation at regular

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Complaints since the last inspection

Since 1 April 2004 there have been no complaints made to Ofsted that required the provider or Ofsted to take any action in order to meet the National Standards.

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Complaints since the last inspection

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are good. The registered person meets the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care further the registered person should take account of the following recommendation(s): • ensure documentation has correct contact details for parents to access

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The quality and standards of the care

set out in the leaflet Complaints about Ofsted Early Years: concerns or complaints about Ofsted's role in regulating and inspecting childcare and early education (HMI ref no 2599) which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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